Successful AFAS Expansion at Selfridge Air National Guard Base

MOUNT CLEMENS, Michigan (February 26, 2009) - The Airfield Automation System (AFAS) at Selfridge Air National Guard Base (ANGB) was recently expanded to include 12 different base agencies.  To date, this is the most diverse AFAS footprint on a U.S. Air Force Base.  AFAS is powered by Systems Atlanta’s Integrated Information Dissemination & Display System (IDS5), currently used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), multiple DoD agencies and government organizations throughout the world.

This acquisition extends AFAS information sharing/dissemination capability to mulitple key organizations located at Selfridge ANGB.  IDS5 capability is now available at the 107th Fighter Squadron, 171st Air Refueling Squadron, Transient Alert, Command Post, Fire Department, Security Forces, Army Aviation, Coast Guard Air Station Detroit, and Homeland Defense.  AFAS is meeting information sharing needs across multiple facilities, organizations, and agencies where synchronized status information is desired.

AFAS displays in squadron/flight operations facilities within the Coast Guard’s Air Station Detroit, Army Aviation, the Air National Guard’s 107th Fighter Squadron and 171st Air Refueling Squadron provide real-time display of weather data through its LAN connectivity to AFAS.  AFAS is directly interfaced to the installation’s New Tactical Forecasting System (N-TFS).   As a result, IDS5 enables these facilities to automatically receive and immediately display all weather data produced by the N-TFS which includes Terminal Area Forecasts and current weather observations from virtually any airport location in the U.S.  Also immediately displayed are local weather warnings, watches and advisories.  Severe weather reports received on the Control Tower Flight Data Input/Output (FDIO) are also automatically received and displayed on their AFAS displays, increasing pilot situational awareness and flight safety.

AFAS displays in the Selfridge Fire Department, Security Forces, Command Post, and Homeland Security facilities provide immediate access to maps, charts, entry authorization lists, quick reaction checklists, building and aircraft diagrams, hazardous material information, cordon areas, emergency action checklists / procedures and additional site specific material.

AFAS is a high-functionality, high-value information management tool that provides Air Traffic Control, Airfield Management, Range Control, Dispatch Centers, Squadron Operations, Fire Departments, Security Forces, Command Posts, Homeland Defense, and other key agencies rapid access to a wide array of information originating from multiple sources, all integrated for real-time access, consolidated display, and distribution over local and wide area networks.  AFAS serves as a combined data display, data integration, and data distribution platform and greatly enhances situational awareness and efficiency of operations.

AFAS is capable of displaying up to 100 million pages of data…data completely determined and custom designed by the agency user(s).  Rapid data access and display are key elements to the software’s design.  Large quantities of information that otherwise would have to be the obtained from printed reference materials can be placed in the AFAS database for rapid accessibility as needed.

About Systems Atlanta

Systems Atlanta is an industry leader in the area of integrated data systems for air traffic control and the aviation industry. SAI has over 30 years experience providing technologically advanced, cost effective IDS solutions for civilian and military customers.